2023-08-10 17:00:50
If severe depressive syndromes must be taken into account with the utmost seriousness and require a medical consultation, you do not necessarily need to resort to allopathy when you simply suffer from a temporary blues. This can, for example, be the case during seasonal changes, which can weigh heavily on our morale, especially if latent fatigue has set in as a bonus. In these cases, plants are a great help. They help the body and the mind to let go, without causing any side effects or addiction. Among those to be preferred, saffron, whose virtues anxiolytics have been known for a long time.
The benefits of saffron on mild depression
This pretty plant has many health benefits, scientifically recognized. Thanks to some carotenoids, it has for example a significant antioxidant power, which allows it to protect cells and tissues from oxidation and therefore from premature deterioration. Saffron can also show very soothing in case of moderate pain, cramps or menstrual pain. Finally, we also know its virtues aphrodisiacs and it might limit erectile dysfunction.
But where the plant excels the most is as an anxiolytic. In this she can replace benzodiazepinesreference pharmaceutical active ingredients for drugs once morest anxiety, panic attacks… Several studies (since the 2000s, at least 5 large studies have established the link between saffron and depression1) proved that saffron might have a beneficial effect on mood disorders. More precisely, it is thanks to molecules such as crocin and safranal that this plant manages to modulate the levels of serotonin – the happiness hormone, in the brain – and therefore to overcome stress.
If one believes one randomized meta analysis published in 2022, saffron might also have the power to fight once morest insomnia by significantly improving the quality of sleep. An interesting point when looking to relieve depression which, even mild, can disrupt sleep. And conversely, a good night’s sleep is essential in order to maintain mental health.
The advantage of turning to saffron to combat a small blues passenger is that the plant can be consumed in different ways. This will allow you to find the form and dosage that best suits you, and not, on the contrary, to have to adapt to it.
This solution obtained with the maceration of the plant in alcohol is consumed twice a day to relieve ruminations and achieve letting go.
And the taste of saffron you don’t like, it’s undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to consume the plant without having to taste it. It’s also a practical way to deal with depression away from home.
A few filaments of saffron soaked in hot water allow its benefits to be diffused in the water, which you will then only have to drink. Its very excessive price (it is one of the most expensive spices in the world) however makes this method difficult to implement regularly. However, we should be able to consume it several cups a day to see an effect.
Follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer
Attention, saffron is not recommended for pregnant womenbecause at certain doses it may have abortifacient effects. Moreover, the concomitant use of antidepressants and saffron is not recommendedsince their mode of action is the same.
1. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial – 2005. – Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials – 2013.- Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action – 2014.- Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review – 2018.- Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of persistent depressive symptoms in adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study – 2019.
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